Understanding the Different Kinds of Dive Equipment

If you are thinking of going diving and are in search of dive equipment, it is more complicated than just buying air tank and flippers. Casual scuba enthusiasts who are just looking for a day out scuba diving would be fine with just an air tank and flippers but if you are serious about going scuba diving, you will need a lot more diving equipment than just these. Here are some of the more important dive equipment you will need and what their functions are.

Tank or Rebreather:

The tank will give you the supply of compressed air so you can breathe underwater. This is the most important dive equipment that you need for scuba diving. A rebreather is more expensive than tanks but it is small and light. This electronic device is compact compared to a regular tank and likewise supplies air to the diver by recycling his used air and reintroducing oxygen into the air. Masks - You can choose from a variety of different types of masks. You can pick out goggles which are small and simple or get the more complicated integral snorkels which are most suitable for shallow waters only. There are complex full face masks that have integrated communication equipment allowing you to talk to other divers using these built-in radio units. Other masks also have low light vision lens. These types of masks are recommended for deep dives since the lenses will prove very useful for navigating depths which are no longer penetrable by sunlight.

Thermal Suit:

A full body suit is a vital dive equipment that is required for extended dives since it could be very cold underwater. This rubberized suit provides a wrap for your whole bodyand not only provides thermal insulation but also protects the diver from abrasions from corals, jellyfish and other dangers in the deep. This pressurized suit will help prevent bleeding from small wounds that you may incur while in the water. Bleeding wounds attract sharks and the like so it should be avoided or stopped immediately.

Weighted Plates:

This dive equipment makes sure you can adjust your depth when you are diving so you need to bring different sort of weights. The human body will naturally float in water especially in salty water. Fins – To propel yourself underwater, you will need to use fins. Diver Propulsion Device which is a motorized device is suitable for those who want to conserve their energy and will do the swimming for you. Its size is similar to that of a big vacuum cleaner.

Gauges:

A compass is very important to determine your location and where you are going. The electronic depth measurer and underwater pressure gauge will help you monitor your depth and avoid going to depths with pressures that may cause decompression problems.

Handheld sonar and portable electric light:

This dive equipment is extremely useful when you need to navigate areas underwater that are extremely dark as sunlight can no longer penetrate there. Dive Markers – In order for you to inform people on the surface where you are diving, these floating buoys are essential especially if there are problems underwater or if you need passing boats to know you are in that particular area.

Underwater Buoys or Line Markers:

These are weighted buoys that will mark the area where you want to go back to and to let other divers know that you are in that particular place. Other important equipment that you might need during diving include a first aid kit, knife, waterproof camera, dry box for personal belongings and gunny sack for holding underwater finds.